Ingelheimer Schloss Westerhaus (Westerhaus Castle of Ingelheim)

The white mountain in the Rheinhessen red wine growing area

The Ingelheim vineyards are mainly located on two opposite slopes: Mainzer Berg and Westerberg. The Mainzer Berg is predestined for Pinot Noir. On the Westerberg, facing east-northeast and with lime-rich soil, many white varieties grow: Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. The name is due to Westerhaus Castle, which still oversees the vineyards today. The first documented mention of the vineyard dates back to 1408. The castle was bought by the Opel automobile family in 1900; their descendants continue to run the winery today. Hiking enthusiasts can best discover the single vineyard and the castle via the hiking trail Hiwweltour Westerberg.

>> To the other two single vineyards of Ingelheim on the Mainzer Berg: Horn and Pares
>> To the Hiwweltour Westerberg
>> To the Westerhaus Castle Winery: https://www.schloss-westerhaus.de/

facts and figures

Region:: Bingen

soil types

Loess / Pararendzina

Wind deposition of calcareous dust in the ice ages

fertile, deep, light loam soil, clayey silt, very good storage capacity for plant-available soil water, adequate aeration, nutrient-rich, calcareous, moderate warmability, good rootability, high growth potential

Yellow-fruity aromas, apple, peach, pear, citrus, delicately fruity, slim, refreshing, gentle acidity, medium-strong structure, juicy elegant, drinkable early, tasty charm, uncomplicated complexity, fruity, cheerful expression

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Limestone / Rendzina

Teritarian marine deposits from a calcareous algae reef

Shallow to medium-sized, very lime-rich, very stony, sandy loam soil, low storage capacity for soil water available to plants, rich in nutrients, rich in lime, good aeration, good heatability, limited rootability

Expressive, lively, aromatic, initially citrus, apple and gooseberry notes, with increasing ripe mango and passion fruit. Balanced acidity, mineral, chalky, elegant, multi-faceted, profound, closed in the youth, great development potential

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Explore the area

Hiking tours

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Hiking trail beside sunflowers, © Dominik Ketz

Hiwweltour Westerberg

The Hiwweltour Westerberg leads both at ground level through the Selztal and up to the Westerberg and captivates with great scenic variety and great views of the Rhinehessian places Ingelheim, Großwinternheim and Schwabenheim. Highlights of the hike are the imposing Westerhaus Castle - a traditional winery and stud farm on the Westerberg - as well as the historic and rare sunken paths near Ingelheim.

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